ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A motion to amend a civil complaint accuses Buncombe County’s Pretrial Release Services Program and multiple county employees, ranging from the county manager to a case coordinator, of negligence in the supervision of Ryan Houston, who was charged with serious violent crimes.
The complaint alleges widespread failures within the program, including inadequate training on how to report ankle monitor violations and a failure to respond to multiple warning signs. The complaint also claims an inappropriate sexual relationship existed between Houston and his assigned case coordinator, Rasnelly Vargas, which was admitted to in depositions.
The complaint was filed by now medically retired former Buncombe County Deputy William Matthew Johnston and it names James Ellis, in his capacity as Collector of the Estate for Ryan Ricky Houston, Buncombe County, Avril Pinder, Dakisha Wesley, Tiffany Iheanacho, Natalie Ivey, Cindy Green, Renee Ray and Rasnelly Vargas. All of the individuals are named in their official and individual capacities…